NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Harvard women's basketball (19-3, 8-2 Ivy) gave Columbia (18-5, 9-1 Ivy) its first loss of the Ivy League season this afternoon in a nationally televised showdown.
The Crimson's signature defense held Columbia to its lowest scoring output (54) and its lowest shooting percentage (34.6%) of the season. On the offensive end, Harvard was led by a trio of double-digit scorers in
Harmoni Turner (22),
Saniyah Glenn-Bello (12), and
Abigail Wright (12).
How it Happened
The opening minutes were a back-and-forth affair, with neither team being able to capitalize offensively at a consistent rate. Harvard's aggressive defense forced the Lions into a 0-for-8 start in the first six minutes. The league's top defense ultimately prevailed over the top offense in the first quarter as the Crimson led 14-9.
Despite Harvard's offensive slump in the second quarter, its signature defense helped maintain the lead heading into halftime. After giving up three buckets in the first five minutes, the Crimson allowed zero field goals to close the stanza.
Out of the gate, the Lions were able to jump in front, 22-19, with back-to-back triples. Columbia's run continued as they extended their lead out to as many as nine. A late quarter offensive push, featuring an Alyana Rocco three-pointer and back-to-back baskets from
Abigail Wright brought the Crimson within two. Despite the highlights from Harvard, the Lions held a 43-37 advantage heading into the final ten minutes.
The Crimson came to life in the last quarter, rattling off the first nine points. At the 8:27 mark,
Saniyah Glenn-Bello drained a triple to give Harvard a lead that it would never again relinquish. The combination of Harvard shooting 70% from the field and its defense holding the Lions to 26.7% allowed the Crimson to solidify the victory at 60-54.
Harvard Highlights
- With the win, the Crimson handed the Lions their first loss of the Ivy League season and snapped their 20-game home win streak.
- Harvard's defense held Columbia to their lowest scoring total (54), their lowest field goal percentage (34.6%), and their second most turnovers (20) of the season.
- Harmoni Turner provided all over the court for the Crimson contributing a game-high 22 points, a team-best eight rebounds, a season-high seven assists, and four steals. The senior guard has been on a tear, recording 20+ points in each of the last six games.
- Despite foul trouble, Saniyah Glenn-Bello provided valuable minutes, adding 12 points (4-of-5 FG, 3-of-4 3PT), four rebounds, a block, and a steal.
- Abigail Wright came up clutch for the Crimson, notching 12 points on a near perfect 6-of-7 shooting.
- Gabby Anderson led the way on the defensive end, tallying a team-high five steals. Additionally, the junior collected six rebounds, four of which came on the offensive end.
- The Crimson moved the ball effectively, assisting on all but three of its field goals. The team's total of 18 assists marks its second highest of the season.
- With the victory, Harvard snaps a five-game skid against the Lions and improves to 66-15 in the all-time series.
Next Up
Harvard remains on the road next weekend, traveling to Providence, R.I., to face Brown on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET.